FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. (Sept. 14, 2025) – Orlando City B (9-11-5, 35 points) faced off against Inter Miami CF II (6-14-5, 23 points) at Chase Stadium on Sunday evening. The match ended in a 1-1 draw, leading to an end-of-regulation shootout where the Lions prevailed 5-3 to earn the extra point. With the result, Orlando City B concluded its season series with the Herons and now sits at 35 points—just one shy of eighth place and a playoff spot in the Eastern Conference.
Inter Miami II struck first in the 19th minute, with forward Mateo Saja finding the back of the net. A lofted pass into the 18-yard box led to a challenged clearance from the Orlando defense, which fell to Saja, who delivered a one-touch strike with his right foot.
Eight minutes into the second half, the Lions equalized. Forward Justin Ellis dribbled into the center of the box, drawing Miami goalkeeper Matias Marin off his line before laying off a pass to Thalles on the left side. Thalles calmly slotted it home for his fifth goal of the season, marking back-to-back matches with a goal for the Brazilian international.
In the shootout, goalkeeper Carlos Mercado made a crucial save, while the Lions converted all five of their attempts. Midfielder Dylan Judelson sealed the win with the deciding kick, securing the extra point for Orlando City B.
Match Notes:
- Forward Thalles scored his fifth goal of the season, marking back-to-back matches with a goal for the Brazilian international.
- Forward Justin Ellis recorded his fourth assist of the season, setting up Thalles’ finish.
- Forward Jacob Basinet made his Orlando City B debut, entering as a substitute in the 90th minute.
- Head Coach Manuel Goldberg made three changes to the starting lineup from the previous match against Crown Legacy FC, with defenders Thomas Williams and Tahir Reid-Brown, and midfielder Colin Guske returning to the Starting XI.
